As the TSA ups its digital game, it’s been slowly increasing the number of states whose residents can use mobile drivers licenses (mDL) at checkpoints with digital ID readers. Louisiana just got added to the list.
Travelers who’ve downloaded the LA Wallet app to their Apple or Android-flavored smart phone can use the app for identity verification during the screening process. They’ll be able to do this instead of showing their physical photo ID and boarding pass to the TSA security officer at the airport’s security checkpoint area.
Participation in using mDL and digital identification is optional. You can still your regular driver’s license, state-issued ID or government-issued passport, among other forms of acceptable ID, at the TSA checkpoint.
“We are pleased to introduce this cutting-edge digital ID at our checkpoint. Those travelers who are early adopters of new technologies or are intrigued with this capability will find the mDL to be a convenient option when going through the security process,” said Arden Hudson, TSA’s Federal Security Director for the State of Louisiana. “The TSA continues to embrace technology and we are happy to partner with the State of Louisiana and the leadership at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.”
Louisianans can use their mobile ID for identity verification at the checkpoint in New Orleans and 26 other cities across the country
Note for Louisiana Residents
The State of Louisiana has made the mDL available to state residents for free. The TSA reminds LA residents to make sure that their Louisiana license is REAL ID compliant. Then just download the LA Wallet app from the Apple App Store or Google Play and follow the steps to add it to your smartphone.
Louisiana joins 7 other states
Louisiana is the 8th state to introduce mDL capabilities at TSA checkpoints to its residents. The other seven states include Arizona (they were first to get the technology, in March, 2022), California, Colorado (albeit with some glitches and subsequent fixes), Georgia, Iowa, Maryland and Utah.
For more info
TSA says it’s continuing to integrate new technologies into its identity verification process. You can read more about these programs at www.tsa.gov/digital-id.
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1 comment
My last visit at SFO in February I was asked for the physical ID card by the TSA agent. I have both Clear and Precheck. The TSA agent didn’t scan the ID in the reader. She inspected my license with a jeweler’s type magnifying glass that she wore like a pendant. This was while I was standing in front of the digital ID reader. I asked her why I couldn’t use the reader and she said “they were not yet trained” on using them. Perhaps this was her form of job security?